Lumen probe apparatuses and methods for using the same

Abstract

A probe apparatus adapted for movement through a lumen, comprising: a linearly extendible and retractable element adapted for selective extension and retraction to provide the movement; a front balloon positioned forward of the linearly extendible and retractable element and adapted for selective inflation and deflation; a rear balloon positioned backward of the linearly extendible and retractable element and adapted for selective inflation and deflation; and, a twisting element adapted to twist at least one of the linearly extendible and retractable element, front balloon and rear balloon during inflation and deflation of the advancement balloon.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A probe apparatus adapted for movement through a lumen, comprising:
 a linearly extendible and retractable element adapted for selective extension and retraction; 
 a front balloon positioned forward of the linearly extendible and retractable element and adapted for selective inflation and deflation; 
 a rear balloon positioned backward of the linearly extendible and retractable element and adapted for selective inflation and deflation; and, 
 a twisting element adapted to twist at least one of the linearly extendible and retractable element, front balloon and rear balloon during extension and retraction of the linearly extendible and retractable element, 
 wherein cyclic extension and retraction of the linearly extendible and retractable element in combination with selective inflation and deflation of the front and rear balloons provides movement to the apparatus. 
 
     
     
       2. A probe apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the linearly extendible and retractable element is a selectively inflatable and deflatable advancement balloon. 
     
     
       3. A probe apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the twisting device comprises a spring. 
     
     
       4. A probe apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the twisting device comprises at least one elastic band. 
     
     
       5. A probe apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the probe apparatus is adapted with an instrument channel for accommodating the insertion of at least one medical instrument. 
     
     
       6. A probe apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the instrument channel twists independently of the linearly extendible and retractable element, front balloon and rear balloon. 
     
     
       7. A probe apparatus according  claim 1 , wherein the probe apparatus is provided with at least one supply line. 
     
     
       8. A probe apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the supply line provides power to the probe apparatus. 
     
     
       9. A probe apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the supply line provides inflation material to the probe apparatus. 
     
     
       10. A probe apparatus according to  claim 2 , further comprising a sealing sleeve for insulating contents of the advancement balloon from an interior of the probe apparatus. 
     
     
       11. A probe apparatus according to  claims 1 , further comprising a sliding gasket adapted to prevent inflation material from leaking out of probe apparatus. 
     
     
       12. A probe apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein a surface of at least one of the front balloon, rear balloon and the advancement balloon is textured to interface with an inner circumference of the lumen. 
     
     
       13. A probe apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the front balloon and rear balloon is comprised of a plurality of independently inflatable and deflatable balloons. 
     
     
       14. A probe apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a jointed tip. 
     
     
       15. A probe apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein the jointed tip is deflected by the inflation of at least one balloon. 
     
     
       16. A method of using a balloon type probe apparatus, comprising:
 inserting the probe apparatus in a lumen; 
 inflating a rear balloon of the probe apparatus, substantially securing the probe apparatus in place in the lumen; 
 at least partially extending a linearly extendible and retractable element of the probe apparatus to move a front balloon of the probe apparatus forward in the lumen; 
 twisting at least one of the rear balloon, linearly extendible and retractable element and front balloon during the at least partially extending of the linearly extendible and retractable element; 
 inflating the front balloon, substantially securing the probe apparatus in place in the lumen without regard for the rear balloon securing; and, 
 deflating, at least partially, the rear balloon and retracting the linearly extendible and retractable element drawing the rear balloon closer to the front balloon. 
 
     
     
       17. A method according to  claim 16 , wherein at least one of a supply line or an instrument channel of the probe apparatus does not twist relative to the lumen when at least one of the rear balloon, linearly extendible and retractable element and front balloon twists. 
     
     
       18. A method according to  claim 16 , further comprising restarting the method at deflating the front balloon after re-inflating the rear balloon. 
     
     
       19. A method of navigating a curve in a lumen, comprising:
 inserting the probe apparatus in a lumen; 
 inflating a rear balloon of the probe apparatus, substantially securing the probe apparatus in place in the lumen; 
 at least partially extending and twisting a linearly extendible and retractable element of the probe apparatus to move a front balloon of the probe apparatus forward and around the curve in the lumen; 
 inflating the front balloon, substantially securing the probe apparatus in place in the lumen without regard for the rear balloon securing; and, 
 deflating, at least partially, the rear balloon and retracting and twisting the linearly extendible and retractable element drawing the rear balloon closer to the front balloon and around the curve in the lumen.